Crafting new life, Rick Kelly's reclaimed guitars

Rick Kelly, a custom guitar maker at Carmine St. Guitars, uses reclaimed wood from old NYC buildings and 200-year-old trees to craft unique instruments. He describes his process, from sourcing materials to finishing with shellac. Notable clients include Bob Dylan and Lou Reed. Rick finds joy in giving new life to historic materials, creating instruments that resonate with history and music.

What unique materials does Rick Kelly use to make his guitars?

• Plastic and metal

• Reclaimed lumber and old trees

• Synthetic materials

• Newly harvested wood

What is the first step Rick takes in his guitar-making process?

• Applying a finish

• Sanding the wood

• Removing nails from the wood

• Cutting the wood

Which type of finish does Rick prefer for his guitars?

• Varnish

• Shellac

• Lacquer

• Polyurethane

Which famous musician is NOT mentioned as a customer of Rick's guitars?

• Lou Reed

• Bob Dylan

• Elton John

• Roger Waters

What feeling does Rick describe when giving new life to old materials?

• Joy

• Indifference

• Confusion

• Frustration